I'm in the process of constructing a hard bimini for my H37C and was wondering if there is anyone here who has done this and wouldn't mind posting a link for some photos? I'm well into this project so my request is quite late but it would be nice to get some opinions.
Hard Bimini for the H37C
- Thread starter H37Cmatt
- Start date
I have done that on my Hunter 45cc using the arch as a rear support. I made a lip around top so it also acts a water catcher and a place to locate my solar panels. Pictures in Hunter 45cc mods
- Aug 10, 2010
- 115
My father constructed a hard top many years ago on our '82 H36. It's still installed on the boat, but has been repaired a few times over the years. He built a wooden frame, bending the strips that run abeam to fit a fixed yet curved SS bow system that is mounted to the cabin top. The fore-aft runners are straight. For the top he used a sheet of PVC. The Florida sun beat it up a good bit so I have painted the PVC a few times to keep it looking better. Wood rot got the frame in a few places and had to be cut out and new wood added - this has happened a few times over the 10 years Iv'e owned it. Overall I like it, it is heavy though and needs periodic repairs...I cant stand on it (at least I dont think that would be a good idea) but I could mount more solar if desired although the main sail/boom would probably obstruct them a good bit. Not the best photos, but this is what it looked like a few years ago. I have since covered the underside completely with PVC sheets to hid the frame work. Adds a more pounds but cleans up the look. I was tempted to replace it with an aluminum framed hard top this season, but the company was very far behind on raw materials and I was side-tracked by other more pressing projects. So I repaired it again (had to remove a 6" piece of rotted wood on the outer frame) and painted the framework as well. We attach three fabric/clear plastic panels to make an enclosed dodger and also attach the bimini to the top/aft portion of this hardtop that covers the entire cockpit.
